ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 SPORT | PAGE 17 74 GOLFERS HIT THE GREEN FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS High of 85 Low of 74 Seas: Moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet. Small craft should continue to exercise caution over open water. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 CYDONIE GOOD AS GOLD FOR CAYMAN PremierHealth You said you needed the flexibility of overseas Rx. You got it first with BritCay. BritCay was first with overseas Rx and direct billing pharmacy benefits for Cayman residents. It means your health plan is as convenient to use overseas as it is at home. BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International: insurance, health, pensions, life Call 949-8699 www.britcay.ky cgigrp Direct rule: UK gov’t urged to consider ‘nuclear option’ MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com The U.K. government should consider im- posing direct rule on its overseas territories and Crown dependencies if they fail to comply with U.K. tax laws, according to Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. “If the local government is simply going to condone this level of tax avoidance and tax evasion of money that has been made in Britain, then that’s something that has to be considered,” Mr. Corbyn told the BBC on Tuesday. “They’re not independent territories,” added the Labour leader. “They are self-governing, yes, but they’re British Crown dependent terri- tories. Therefore, surely, there has to be an ob- servance of U.K. tax law in those places.” The view was first expressed by former business secretary Vince Cable on BBC’s Newsnight television program. “We can’t send gunboats these days but we can take the small territories under direct rule,” the Liberal Dem- ocrat politician said. “The Cayman Islands is not Panama,” Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin said in response, speaking at the Wednesday start to the Internet Marketing Association’s Impact16 conference. Addressing more than 100 people gathered for the marketing conference, the premier de- fended Cayman amidst the growing Panama Papers scandals and the debate over creating a beneficial ownership registry in Cayman. “There are some misinformed politicians in the U.K.,” he said. “While the world’s attention has been on places like the Cayman Islands, insufficient attention” has gone to places like Panama that is now the center of a massive PREMIER: GOV’T WILL NOT AGREE TO EMERGENCY MEETING BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Members of Cayman’s ruling govern- ment will not agree to attend an emergency meeting of the Legislative Assembly set for next week to debate two legislative motions related to the management and effective- ness of local law enforcement, Premier Alden McLaughlin said Wednesday. Mr. McLaughlin said the government has already agreed to hear the two private mem- bers’ motions, filed by Opposition Leader McK- eeva Bush and East End MLA Arden McLean, when the House resumes meeting on April 25. He said Wednesday that there is no need to hold an emergency meeting to debate those two specific issues a mere 12 days earlier. “Government is not going to agree to the meeting,” the premier said. “We will not pro- vide the necessary quorum [required number of House members]. The opposition is simply trying to be disruptive.” All business conducted in the Legisla- tive Assembly must comply with sections 74 and 75 of the Constitution Order, 2009. Those sections seek to establish how a quorum, the minimum number of elected members present, must be maintained. A quorum of an 18-member Legislative Assembly is 10 mem- bers. The 10-person quorum does not include the Speaker of the House. Section 74 basically states that if a quorum is not present during a meeting and any Impact16 brings tech giants to Cayman CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com Tay.ai is, or was, a Micro- soft experiment in artificial in- telligence set loose on Twitter to learn from the people it inter- acted with. “Tay very quickly started to learn,” said Microsoft’s Jeff Mar- coux, a senior marketing man- ager with the software giant. But, Mr. Marcoux said to the more than 100 people gath- ered for the Internet Marketing Association’s Impact16 con- ference at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Wednesday, “Tay was broken.” “Tay thought Hitler was cool.” It started sending obscene and racist messages, eventu- ally spinning completely out of control, he said. Tay was an experiment in artificial intelligence and mar- keting. “This idea of the bot is starting to come out,” he said. As an example in the not-too distant PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin addresses Wednesday’s Impact16 tech marketing conference at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY Microsoft senior marketing manager Jeff Marcoux speaks at the Impact16 conference.2 LOCAL&REGIONAL THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. y x *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - THURSDAY - MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (PG13) 1:15 I 4:30 I 6:50 I 9:55 BATMAN V SUPERMAN DAWN OF JUSTICE 3D (PG13) 12:30 I 1:00 2D I 3:45 I 5:30 2D 7:00 I 9:30 2D ZOOTOPIA 3D (PG13) 12:45 I 3:30 2D I 6:45 I 9:20 2D LONDON HAS FALLEN (R) 1:20 I 4:00 I 7:20 I 9:40 MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN (PG) 1:30 I 4:15 I 7:10 I 10:00 Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) Jamaica equipped to test for Zika KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com Jamaica’s National Vi- rology Laboratory can now test for the Zika virus, be- coming the second country in the Caribbean equipped to do so, according to the Jamaica Information Service. Until last month, Jamaica, like Cayman and other coun- tries in the Caribbean, had to send test samples to the Ca- ribbean Public Health Agency lab in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, the National Vi- rology Reference Labora- tory, housed at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, is now fully equipped to test for viral infections, in- cluding Zika, dengue and chi- kungunya, and no longer has to send samples of suspected cases overseas. A Pan American Health Organization representative, Dr. Noreen Jack, told the Ja- maica Observer that while there is little difference in the cost of having the test done in Jamaica versus sending it to Trinidad, there is a benefit in a faster turnaround time for results. Dr. Samuel Williams-Ro- driguez, Cayman’s acting medical officer of health, said the Public Health De- partment “may explore” with the Pan American Health Organization office in Ja- maica the possibility of po- tentially using the National Virology Reference Labora- tory in the future, “if the ne- cessity arises.” “It is very important for Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean that there is an- other country in the region with the capability to test for Zika,” Dr. Williams-Ro- driguez said. Since January, 27 cases in Cayman have been tested for Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever, all of which were negative. According to Dr. Williams- Rodriguez, Cayman has ar- rangements with the Carib- bean Public Health Agency in Trinidad and Tobago to test for Zika, chikungunya, dengue fever and other patho- gens, if needed. “We are pleased with this arrangement and the quality, reliability and turnaround time for the results,” Dr. Wil- liams-Rodriguez told the Cayman Compass. He noted that testing for these conditions is done for surveillance purposes, as there is no specific treatment for these conditions beyond symptom management. The physical address for all suspected cases of Zika, chikungunya and dengue are reported to the Cayman Mosquito Research and Con- trol Unit immediately, before the sample is sent overseas, for targeted vector control measures, Dr. Williams-Ro- driguez added. Taking precautions While there have been no reported or confirmed cases of Zika in the Cayman Is- lands, the Cayman Islands Public Health Department is urging residents to take pre- cautions to eliminate poten- tial breeding sites of the mos- quito that carries the virus. “The public is being re- minded that an abundance of caution is still to be taken in respect to prevention of being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquito,” said Dr. Williams-Rodriguez in a press statement. Members of the public can take preventative mea- sures to reduce the incidence of contact between mosqui- toes and people, Dr. Williams- Rodriguez said. Such mea- sures include using barriers such as repellents containing DEET, screens on doors and windows or closing doors and windows, wearing long clothing, and reducing the breeding of mosquitos through removing and modi- fying breeding sites. William Petrie, head of the MRCU, encouraged mem- bers of the public to check their yards twice a week to remove containers and potential breeding sites of the mosquito. Mosquitos breed in standing water, so breeding sites can include trash cans, animal bowls, plant pots and water drums and cisterns. “While we may not be ex- periencing any cases of Zika, we do not want to become complacent,” Dr. Petrie said in the press statement. The MRCU is continuing its work to reduce the popu- lation of Aedes aegypti mos- quitos. The unit provides regular updates on its daily aerial and ground operations on its Facebook page. The Public Health De- partment is also reminding members of the public that while the Zika virus is mainly transmitted through Aedes aegypti mosquitos, other modes of transmission, such as sexual transmission, have been documented. “I encourage all men and women returning from where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur in adopting safer sexual prac- tices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after return,’ Dr. Williams-Ro- driguez said. “This is espe- cially true for women who are pregnant.” While Cayman remains untouched by the Zika virus, it continues to spread steadily throughout the re- gion. As of April 4, there are 47 countries reporting active Zika transmission. Charges filed in Super C burglary CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man appeared in Sum- mary Court Wednesday charged in a March 22 burglary at the Super C Restaurant on Watercourse Road in West Bay. Alejandro Andres Powery- Cardenas was taken into cus- tody ahead of a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday. According to a statement from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, items stolen during the break-in included alcoholic beverages valued at $244; a box of Rizla pa- pers valued at $25; and a box of assorted cigarette lighters valued at $39. Defense attorney John Furniss applied for bail on behalf of Powery- Cardenas, 23, but Magistrate Philippa McFarlane asked that police investigate the proposed address at which the defen- dant would be staying. Jamaica’s Minister of Health, Christopher Tufton, second left, is shown a sample in viral transport media by National Virology Reference Laboratory Chief Medical Lab Technician Evan Edwards, seated right, during a tour of the newly upgraded lab last month. Also pictured, from left, are University Hospital of the West Indies Medical Chief of Staff Dr. Carl Bruce; Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization representative in Jamaica, Dr. Noreen Jack; and head of the university hospital’s Microbiology Department, Dr. Allison Nicholson. - PHOTO: JAMAICA INFORMATION SERVICE3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 Jury hears woman stole $2 million from elderly man CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Statements from an el- derly wealthy Australian man from whom Michelle Bouchard is accused of stealing more than $2 million were read to the jury in the woman’s trial Wednesday. James Bruce Handford gave statements to police in 2012, following the al- leged thefts, which occurred on various dates between May 2010 and October 2012 and which involve sums to- taling CI$1,591,432.70 and US$805,806.25. Bouchard is charged with 26 counts of dishonesty, in- cluding 15 charges of theft. Justice Paul Worsley told the jury that Mr. Handford, now 87, suffers from de- mentia and was unable to come to court. The judge said he had decided that jurors were entitled to hear Mr. Handford’s statements. However, because they would not have the oppor- tunity to see him or his re- actions to questions from the defense attorneys, the judge was allowing defense counsel Peter Carter to ex- plain the questions he would have asked. The judge noted that the prosecution’s case was that Bouchard was using Mr. Handford; the defense case was that they had a caring relationship – that Mr. Hand- ford was a very wealthy man who had money to give and did give it. Mr. Handford in his 2012 statement explained that he had purchased a con- dominium on Seven Mile Beach and Bouchard was hired by management as an interior decorator. She later asked if she could stay in a spare room for a few months. In ex- change for room and board, she provided secretarial as- sistance for his business rentals and paid bills for the condo maintenance and utilities. They were joint sig- natories on a U.S. and CI bank account. Later, she proposed that he invest in buying rundown property that she would fix up and sell, at which point he would get his investment back and she would keep the profit. He was agreeable, wanting her to build a nest egg, but he said she had no authori- zation to transfer money to her own accounts and his approval would have been required before any property was purchased. Mr. Handford, in his state- ment, said on many occa- sions he asked Bouchard about taking their relation- ship to the next level of boy- friend/girlfriend, but she was not interested. Lead defense counsel Mr. Carter said he wished he could question the man his client knew in 2010-2012. The prosecution was wrong in suggesting that Mr. Hand- ford was a lonely, vulner- able and increasingly frail man, Mr. Carter said. In fact, during that time he was riding a motorbike, flying his own helicopter and building a boathouse. Mr. Handford was very wealthy: he had agreed that Bouchard could send her brother $30,000 and referred to it as “a small amount.” He was an imaginative, engaging man, a brilliant en- gineer, Mr. Carter said, and Bouchard liked him, but was not interested in a sexual re- lationship. She was inter- ested in her career. Mr. Carter said Mr. Hand- ford’s health declined rap- idly between May and Sep- tember 2012 when he was in Australia. The trial continues. Star Wars sound editor slated for CayFilm JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The creator of some of the most iconic sounds in film – from the raspy breathing of Darth Vader to the beeps and boops of R2-D2 – will be among the movie industry experts at the Cayman Inter- national Film Festival over the July 4 weekend. Few may immediately know the name Ben Burtt, but most will be familiar with his most famous creations. Lauded for his work on the original “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” trilogies, the Oscar winning sound-designer has had a 40- year career in film and also worked on “ET” and “Wall-E.” He famously created the heavy breathing of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader by feeding his own breathing through a microphone placed in a scuba regulator. CayFilm festival di- rector Tony Mark said the event was not just about attracting star names but also technical experts who could share their knowledge and experience. “Anyone who is familiar with the film industry and sound design will appreciate what a coup it is for us to have confirmed Ben Burtt for Cay- Film 2016,” he said. “He is con- sidered the top in his field by most people in the business and his presence alone will at- tract visitors to Cayman. “We are so excited for our local filmmakers who will have the opportunity to learn from Ben’s experiences, especially a few young Caymanians I know who are looking to break into the sound design scene. His work spans generations and he will definitely inspire them.” CayFilm takes place from July 1 to July 4.The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS The announcement that the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, plans to compete in the Cayman Invitational track meet is a coup for our country and meet organizer Cydonie Mothersill, who is the queen of track and field in the Cayman Islands. Mr. Bolt, who owns the world records in the 100m and 200m sprints, as well as a collection of Olympic gold medals, is rightfully taking top billing as the star of the event. But just on the Jamaican’s heels, in terms of drawing publicity, are two Americans — Allyson Felix (200m gold medalist in the 2012 Olympic Games) and Carmelita Jeter (100m silver in 2012). The event will be Mr. Bolt’s first event during this Olympic year, and possibly one of the final times he will compete professionally in his sterling career. “I always enjoy competing in the Caribbean and look forward to meeting my fans in Cayman,” Mr. Bolt said. “Grand Cayman is one of my favorite islands to visit,” Ms. Felix said. During his first competition here in the 2013 Cayman Invitational, Mr. Bolt barely eked out a win over fellow Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole, who along with Caymanian Kemar Hyman will be challenging Mr. Bolt again in the 100m. But no matter which athletes end up on the podium, the primary victor is Cayman. As they say, “the house” — or in this case, “the host” — always wins. This is a major event for Cayman. The news of the trio’s participation was announced by the International Association of Athletics Federations (the world’s track organization) and was picked up immediately by major media outlets such as Sports Illustrated. The meet itself, which will take place on May 14, will be televised on ESPN, meaning our country will be broadcast in a positive light to an audience of millions of people internationally. In addition to the “big three” we mention above, a bevy of other world-class athletes will descend upon Grand Cayman for the event, bringing their entou- rages and fans (and their wallets), which will result in a welcome boost to our tourism industry. Although the niche industry of “sports tourism” has taken a hit in Cayman since the, ahem, “unfortu- nate” case of FIFA’s Jeffrey Webb and the subsequent loss of regional football tournaments, it still represents a promising growth opportunity for our country. Non-economically speaking, the Cayman Invi- tational will provide a chance for our local athletes — including Mr. Hyman, Ronald Forbes, Tyrell Cuffy, Dominic Dyer and Lacee Barnes — to compete against the best in the world and, for some, to prepare to rep- resent our country in the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. All in all, it’s just the kind of authentically good news that Cayman needs, amid the negative atten- tion being brought to bear by the “Panama Papers” and the resulting backlash against the world’s offshore financial industry. Well done, Ms. Mothersill. Well done, indeed. Although Ms. Mothersill carved out an impres- sive career for herself on the track, with the highlight being her gold-medal performance in the 200m at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, it looks like the Cayman Invitational meet may become her true legacy in her thankful country. Cydonie good as gold for Cayman Investors’ love affair with London property JEAN-MICHEL PAUL Britain’s economy may be growing at a faster rate than its European counterparts, but there are two statistics that ought to give concern: London’s stratospheric real estate prices and the coun- try’s current account deficit (which measures the sum of exports and imports and net investment flows as well as net transfers). They are, in fact, two sides of the same coin. And both point to a painful correction to come if measures aren’t taken to re- store balance. Such a correction would unfortunately not be a first: A number of the worst cur- rent account crises that have been observed since the end of the Bretton Woods agree- ments have ended in severe real estate and currency cor- rections. One need only think of Spain or Ireland during the recent financial crisis. Simi- larly, while not to the same extent, a number of countries, such as Australia or New Zea- land have material current ac- count deficits financed by real estate investment inflows in- flating local housing prices. According to the UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index, real estate is overvalued across Europe’s cities, but no- where more so than London, which scores highest in the world for “bubble risk.” London has seen a nearly 40 percent rise in the average price of a dwelling since the start of 2013, more than making up for losses from the financial crisis. Rising real estate values are pleasing to home-owners benefiting from the incurred wealth effect. But when housing restrictions prevent adjustments to the supply of homes, prices become largely decoupled from the real economy. Where there is relatively fixed supply, as in London, real estate is best understood as a commodity. When countries offer a commodity in such high demand, it leads to what economists refer to as the “Dutch disease” – the growing commodity crowds out other tradable industries in the country, both by attracting re- sources and by supporting an overvalued currency. As a world leading capital and cultural center, London has long attracted foreign in- vestment. With the city pop- ulation expanding, waves of wealthy investors from around the world have ac- quired property in the city as a safe haven, each time pushing prices higher. Over the last 10 years, capital flows to London real estate purchases have been just short of £200 billion (US$283 billion) and acceler- ating. In 2015, 70 percent of central London commercial real estate purchased was by foreigners, while half of the new prime property ac- quired in central London was by non-residents. Some devel- opments have been pitched to foreign buyers exclusively, forcing the mayor to inter- vene. In the process, rents have become more expen- sive, affecting even the pro- ductive service sector of the city, with workers in London facing rents that are often 60 percent of gross earnings. Yet even rising rents have failed to keep pace with escalating housing prices, resulting in net yields to investors of below two percent. With such low yields, many for- eign owners have decided not to rent out their vacant prop- erties, transforming their real estate from a produc- tive good into a purely value- hoarding asset, exacerbating the housing shortage for the “real” economy. That explains why some of London’s fan- ciest neighbourhoods seem relatively deserted – call it the London disease. The material foreign in- flows into commercial and residential real estate have been financing the current account, by some estimates to the tune of a third or a half. Many economists, including former Fed chief Ben Ber- nanke, have acknowledged a correlation between the cur- rent account and real estate prices. Economist Francois Geerolf and Thomas Grjebine go further and claim that for 34 countries over the last 40 years, the link is causal. This creates the potential for an overvalued currency, penal- izing exporters. If left un- checked imbalances can re- sult in a currency crash, as the current account deficit exceeds real estate inflows. By whatever means real es- tate prices are corrected, in real terms, the rebalancing can be painful while the country reconstructs a trad- able sector. To avoid such a dramatic outcome, two sets of solu- tions exist. First, measures must be taken to allow the supply of real estate to re- spond to raising prices. London boroughs are no- torious for their restrictive building permissions. Despite rising prices, registrations for new construction fell by 9 percent in 2015 in London. The government has prom- ised to do more to liberalize construction, but the effects have yet to be seen. The second solution is to change behavior through taxes. The government has tried to do this, but unfortu- nately the tax chosen for this purpose has been the (more politically acceptable) stamp duty – a transaction tax paid by the buyer and which rises with the purchase price. In- creasing the stamp duty on higher priced properties has had the effect of limiting li- quidity and reinforcing hoarding. Instead, an in- crease in council taxes, which are linked to property prices, would make sense; particu- larly for properties held by owners who are non-domi- ciled or non-resident. Income from this tax could then be used to reduce taxation on exporting sectors. Implementing such mea- sures is the best hope for Britain to reduce its deficit without a painful correction. Jean-Michel Paul is founder and chief executive of investment manager Acheron Capital in London. © 2016, Bloomberg View London’s long-running real estate boom may not be good news for the broader economy. – PHOTO: GLENN3095/FLICKRThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 SIXTH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER BEACH WALKBREAST CANCER BEACH WALK SATURDAY APRIL 23 starting at Royal Palms on Seven Mile Beach at 7.00pm Walk along the beach to The Ritz-Carlton and back, by the light of an (almost) full moon register NOW at breastcancerfoundation.ky or on the night at 6:00pm at Royal Palms CI$25 donation includes one raffl e entry additonal raffl e tickets $5 each fabulous raffl e prizes Royal Palms offer $6 cocktail special (with $1 of it donated to the BCF) and 10% off food items FOUNDATION FOUNDATION The The For further information please contact The Breast Cancer Foundation on 949 3542 RISTORANTE Cayman IslandsTHURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS 6 DISTRICT DAYS District Days Bodden Town Wild meat, garden plots and fish pots JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com For Bodden Town residents tasked with securing food for their families in Cayman’s earlier days, a combination of hunting, farming and fishing along with a healthy dose of cooperation usually en- sured no table went bare. Out of necessity, Cayman’s early settlers had to be self-suf- ficient. Life was hard, and people ate what they were able to grow in the garden plot, shot in the wild or caught from the sea. When it came to hunting, Bodden Towners relied on cre- ativity, patience and ingenuity. Men in the neighborhood, and some women too, shot wild birds and rabbits for Sunday dinner. Grand Cayman “rabbits” are actu- ally agouti, rabbit-sized rodents. Introduced to the islands by early settlers as a source of food, rab- bits were frequently hunted in the backlands of Cayman. While agoutis are not native to the Cayman Islands, the shy creatures are regarded as having minimal impact on native wildlife. Back in the day, Cayman rabbit stew was just as popular as turtle stew and fish rundown. Late in the evening, when the men went hunting, the far-off pop of a rifle signaled that someone would be having rabbit dinner that Sunday. Rabbits were also a nuisance to farmers’ crops and some land- owners were only too willing to grant hunters access to their prop- erties to keep them at bay. Local lore has it that, long ago, there were so many rabbits run- ning loose on the island that the government was shelling out big bucks – three shillings plus bullets – for every head brought in. Early rabbit hunters would head into the bush just before nightfall, then wait in the trees for the wild birds and animals to show up. Hunters would pick an advantageous spot up a tree in the woods, set some food at the base, and simply stay put until a good size rodent came along. Getting up high, above every- thing else, on a tree or lookout perch was the best way to sight a target, and reduced the possibility of human scent being noticed. After an evening’s work, suc- cessful hunters would head home with 10 to 12 pond fowls and two wild rabbits on a thatch line. When tending the livestock and growing produce, very little went to waste. For instance, the peelings from produce were used to feed a family’s farm animals. A family’s cow and pig would be slaughtered during Christmas. After being apportioned among friends and family, some of the meat was cooked, and the rest salted and cured to be cooked later with coconut milk and ground pro- visions. To cook the fresh beef, a hole with dug in the ground, the pot of beef and vegetables placed on a bed of hot coals, covered and left to slow-cook for hours This meat could keep throughout the holiday season be- cause it was cooked with its own fat. When the meat cooled, the fat hardened around it, preserving the cooked meat. And when it came time to eat, a piece was taken out and reheated. Chickens were slaughtered on Sundays but most of the time they were kept for their eggs. In those days, it is said, each chicken knew its own yard. When it came time to roost after socializing, it would make its way home to its own coop. Fish and other seafood, such as conch, lobster and turtle, were eaten throughout the week but on Sundays the ladies would prepare the meat from the land. This lookout perch on the side of the road on Anton Bodden Drive hearkens back to Cayman’s early days when hunters would hide in treetops to bag agouti. – PHOTO: JEWEL LEVY Easter has always been traditionally set aside for ‘beach time,’ be it camping, fishing, barbecuing or swimming. Shown here along the beach in Bodden Town, riders enjoy the annual Easter Riding Camp, impromptu style – minus boots and saddle. - PHOTO: GEORGE NOWAK Beach ride In the April 6, 1966 edition of the Cayma- nian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Bodden Town correspondent Haig Bodden wrote: “Although the Inter-Scholastic Sports held in West Bay last week have been covered by another re- porter I still feel constrained to write about the ex- cellent performances of the Bodden Town children. “The Bodden Town school under the able lead- ership of its Head Mistress, Mrs. Hildred Ebanks, won, with great distinction the ‘United Insurance Cup’ for the Junior events. “Their score of 34 points was more than 70% above that of the runner-up. It was also about 50% of the total score. “Small, but fleet-footed and energetic Raymond Terry was the Champion Boy, taking a total of 9 prizes. Raymond had also been the Champion Boy last year. Dalphene Moore, from the same school was the Champion Girl. Each of these children received a special prize. “In the Senior events, Rita Hayworth Levy, also of this district tied with another competitor for the title of Champion Girl. It was also noted that many of the prizes for Senior events were won by children from this district. “High credit must go to the Education Officer and his band of hard working teachers for their strenuous efforts in making the sports day the suc- cess that it was. “I cannot close without paying special tribute to Ernie Bodden of George Town who won the much coveted ‘Hunter Cup’ for the high jump. Ernie is an outstanding athlete and undoubtedly the idol of all sports fans.” Public meeting “On Tuesday night, March 29, Dr. Hague, an ex- pert from the F.A.O. (Food and Agriculture Orga- nization) of the United Nations spoke at a public meeting in the Town Hall in Bodden Town. “Only 12 persons, including the speaker and 2 ladies, were present. Three farmers were in atten- dance. However, the small attendance was the one belittling factor. The speaker proved to be an able orator, and those present took an active part in the questions and discussions at the end of his talk. “Dr. Hague spoke quite frankly as he had been inadvertently informed that no member of the press was present.” 50 YEARS AGO: District kids excel at sports day7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 Lawmakers to consider new education legislation New law would create framework for academies JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A comprehensive update of outdated legislation un- derpinning the territory’s education system goes to the Legislative Assembly for debate this month. The Education Bill 2016 outlaws strapping, en- shrines the National Curric- ulum in law and establishes an independent schools in- spection unit called the Of- fice of Education Quality Assurance. The law also con- tains provision for “assisted schools” – funded, but not managed, by government. The draft bill was widely circulated when it went out for consultation last year. Many of the systems and policies outlined in the law reflect long-held government policies, for example the out- lawing of corporal punish- ment. Other developments, including measures to help deal with bad behavior in schools, reflect more recent policy innovations. An introduction to the bill indicates that it arose from policy priorities dealing with special educational needs, conflict resolution and crime reduction and the need for a greater focus on Information Technology and vocational qualifications in Cayman’s schools. During an examina- tion of the legislation, it emerged that much of it was outdated. The introduction to the bill states: “Out of these priorities came the real- ization that the legislation supporting education was severely out of date, and an Education Team was tasked with drafting new, relevant legislation that is now rep- resented in this Bill.” Speaking about the bill last year, Winston Connolly, at the time a councilor in the ministry, said, “The cur- rent law has been operating since 1983. It was high time that this legislation, which is effectively 30 years old, was revised to meet the changes that have occurred in education over the years.” One of the most significant and potentially contentious elements of the proposed law is that it es- tablishes the ability of gov- ernment to make grants to “assisted schools,” de- fined in the legislation as a school that is partly funded but not managed by gov- ernment – a relatively new concept for Cayman. A similar idea was en- dorsed by consultants KPMG in a review of the island’s education system, published last year. The concept is sim- ilar to charter schools in the U.S. and academies in the U.K., though the report also referenced similar models in Sweden and Hong Kong, in what it described as a Cayman-specific model. “It is clear from our anal- ysis that change to an al- ternative model with a governing body who are autonomous from the gov- ernment would make the greatest impact of pro- gressing education in the Cayman Islands. There- fore, we recommend the Cayman Partnership School,” the report states. “The Cayman Partnership School model facilitates a greater degree of community involvement and integration which is proven to enhance the success of the schools. “Parents, employers and past students that have the ability and pas- sion to make a difference in education within their community have an oppor- tunity to become part of the governance board.” Education Minister Tara Rivers has previously suggested public-private partnerships could “rev- olutionize education” in Cayman and has previously visited academies in the U.K. on a fact finding mis- sion. It is not clear if gov- ernment has any current plans to create academy- style schools in Cayman or convert existing schools to academies, though the leg- islation, if passed, would make it easier to do this. The EY report on stream- lining government, pub- lished in September 2014, also recommended that gov- ernment should take the first step of putting “three or four schools” under private sector control within the next two years. The Education Bill 2016 outlaws strapping, enshrines the National Curriculum in law and establishes an independent schools inspection unit called the Office of Education Quality Assurance. Cayman Finance: Cayman not a secrecy jurisdiction MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com Following the leak of in- ternal documents of Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca which has reignited the de- bate about offshore finan- cial centers, Cayman Finance said Tuesday that Cayman has a proven track record on transparency and cross- border cooperation. Jude Scott, CEO of Cayman Finance, in a state- ment, said the revela- tions showed the need for a clear understanding of the role of financial centers in the global economy. “Cayman is not a secrecy jurisdiction. We have a clear and strong commitment to transparency,” he said. “The Cayman Islands is a global financial hub that efficiently connects law abiding users and providers of capital and financing around the world – benefitting both developed and developing countries.” He said Cayman benefits onshore jurisdictions by en- abling them to be competi- tive in international trade and in facilitating effective in- ward investment to help grow those economies. On the regulatory side, Mr. Scott said, the Cayman Islands financial ser- vices industry continues to play a leadership role and sets global standards to fight financial crime. “Financial crime is a se- rious global problem that re- quires a unified legal, so- cial and law enforcement response,” he said. “One of the best weapons against il- legal activities and tax eva- sion is effective transpar- ency and cross-border cooperation. This is where the Cayman Islands has a proven track record.” Mr. Scott said Cayman had put in place a ro- bust regime for regulation and cross-border coopera- tion which surpassed many of the world’s top interna- tional financial centers. “The Cayman Islands gov- ernment, its regulator, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, and private in- dustry, have worked contin- uously over many decades with overseas governments and international authori- ties to ensure Cayman is a premier international fi- nancial center and a strong partner in combatting global financial crime.” The Cayman Finance CEO further noted that Cayman’s system of collecting benefi- cial ownership information was better than the register demanded and implemented by the U.K. “Cayman’s current corpo- rate services provider verified beneficial ownership system is world-class in providing for due diligence know-your-cus- tomer checks and is superior to the U.K.’s proposed non- verified, self-reporting public registers,” Mr. Scott said. “When issues arise, as they do in every jurisdiction, Cayman consistently engages in a proactive and collabora- tive manner to ensure an ap- propriate international out- come is reached,” he added. “Financial crime is a serious global problem that requires a unified legal, social and law enforcement response.” JUDE SCOTT, Cayman Finance Jude Scott World Health Day focuses on beating diabetes KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com To help tackle prevent- able diseases like diabetes, which this year is the focus of the annual World Health Day, Cayman’s Department of Health will soon begin airing regular public ser- vice announcements on radio and TV, Premier Alden McLaughlin said. In a message to mark World Health Day, April 7, the premier said the announce- ments would address pre- ventable diseases, conditions and situations that can cause ill health. This year, the World Health Organization released its first “Global report on diabetes,” highlighting the need to step up prevention and treatment of the disease to “halt the rise” and beat diabetes. According to WHO, 422 million adults are living with diabetes today worldwide, al- most quadruple the number of people living with the dis- ease in 1980. WHO attributes this dramatic rise in diabetes cases to the number of people who are overweight or obese. In his World Health Day message, Mr. McLaughlin, who is also health minister, said that many people in the Cayman Islands are “unfortu- nately familiar” with the topic of diabetes as more and more people in the jurisdiction have been diagnosed with the dis- ease. According to the Inter- national Diabetes Federation there were 5,200 cases of di- abetes in the Cayman Islands in 2015. The federation estimates the national prevalence of di- abetes among adults in the Cayman Islands to be 13.4 percent. That is slightly higher than the average national prevalence, 12.9 percent, in North America and the Ca- ribbean. More than 44 million people in North America and the Caribbean have diabetes, according to the federation. According to WHO, diabetes caused 1.5 million deaths in 2012, and the or- ganization projects that di- abetes will become the world’s 7th leading cause of death by 2030. “As many of you know, dia- betes is a lifestyle disease; in some cases it is preventable,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “Simple lifestyle changes have been shown to be effective in pre- venting or reducing the risk of diabetes or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.” He noted that maintaining a normal body weight, en- gaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy and balanced diet are ways of preventing and reducing the risk of diabetes. “Mindful of this fact, we all have a personal responsi- bility to play a part in halting the rise of the diabetic epi- demic,” the premier said. He said he is proud of the “on-the-ground, proactive and preventative measures” put in place throughout the Islands by the Public Health Depart- ment, the Health Services Au- thority, the Cayman Islands Diabetes Association and the Cayman Islands Diabetes Charitable Trust. “Through educational classes, various ongoing on- site screenings, counselling and awareness sharing ac- tivities, help is offered to people to determine their level of risk for diabetes and in tackling the disease,” Mr. McLaughlin said. He added, “On this World Health Day 2016, I encourage you to join in the global fight against diabetes by learning how each of you can per- sonally practice healthy eating and active living as a means of preventing the onset of diabetes. “For those who are dia- betic – stand strong in your fight to manage your dia- betes. These measures will help us to help you in en- suring the health and well- ness of the people in the be- loved Cayman Islands.”The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY, APRIL 7 HEALTH SCREENING: In observation of World Health Day, the Health Services Authority is offering free health screenings (blood sugar and blood pressure) at all the District Health Centres, George Town General Practice, Faith Hospital, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman during the period April 4-8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various supermarkets in Grand Cayman. No appointment necessary. NORTH SIDE DISTRICT COUNCIL: All North Side residents are invited to attend this meeting at 8 p.m. in the Civic Centre. The following matters will be addressed: Budget for North Side; Policing in North Side; the Commissioner of Police. MLA Ezzard Miller will provide an update on legislative matters. ‘JOSEPH … DREAMCOAT’: Cayman Drama Society presents “Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” starting tonight at the Prospect Playhouse. 7:30 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Adults $30. Students $20. Show continues tomorrow and Saturday, then April 14-17 and 21-24. Matinees April 17 and 24, 5 p.m. Email boxoffice@cds.ky. FRIDAY, APRIL 8 NATIVE SONS: Local artists display 20 years of their work. Free admission. National Gallery on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. SATURDAY, APRIL 9 EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mary Miller Hall. The theme is Project-based Learning for Young Thinkers. Speaker is Dr. Judy Helm of Best Practices Inc. Organized by Early Childhood Association. Members, $25. Non-members, $35. HEALTH SCREENING: In observation of World Health Day, the Health Services Authority is offering free health screenings (blood sugar and blood pressure) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various supermarkets in Grand Cayman. No appointment necessary. GUARDIANS ALIVE: 5/10K Walk and Run. Everyone is invited to take part in this free 5K or 10K walk/ run to test personal performance alongside the island’s compassionate, experienced athletes known as Guardians. Both distances start at Cayman International School. No race day registration. For details and to register, visit www.caymanactive.com/ guardians. CAR BOOT SALE: 9-11 a.m. Cayman International School parking lot. Organized by the Parent Teacher Association. MONDAY, APRIL 11 CHAMBER COURSE: Communicating Effectively, by Terry Carson. Today and Tuesday, April 12, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members $225, future members $300. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. PAJAMA PARTY: Early Childhood Association celebrates the Week of the Young Child with a family friendly pajama party. 6-8 p.m. Gardenia Court, Camana Bay. The week aims to focus public attention on the needs of children and their families and to recognize local community programs and services. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact caymanislandseca@ gmail.com. TUESDAY, APRIL 12 FREE HIV TESTING: The Public Health Department advises the public of extended hours for free HIV screenings offered at the Cayman Islands Red Cross on Huldah Avenue, George Town. The free testing is available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 BOOKENDS CLUB: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Books & Books. All are invited to join a discussion of “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth. The Bookends Club gathers on the second Wednesday of every month and new members are always welcome. STUDENTS’ FILM MAKING: The Cayman National Cultural Foundation has extended its registration deadline until today for students wishing to enter their short films in the Young Image Makers competition. The Foundation is allowing students more time over the Easter holidays to work on their films. Anyone interested can submit films to CNCF offices behind Harquail Theatre by 5 p.m. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.artscayman.org/ young-image-makers. For more details, email info@artscayman.org. SATURDAY, APRIL 16 SLOW FOOD DAY: Market and chef demonstrations 10 a.m. till noon, The Paseo and Bon Vivant at Camana Bay. Locally minded chefs will partner with local growers to transform ingredients straight from the farms into delicious fresh dishes. Guests can watch the chefs at work and taste their creations, then shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables. This event is free and open to the public. EARTH DAY CLEANUP: Participation by Chamber of Commerce is 7–10 a.m. Seeking volunteers. Resources will be provided while supplies last. Register at www.caymanchamber.ky. CERAMICS – RAKU: Class with Alan Darvil, 10:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Susan A. Olde Art Studio, National Gallery Education Centre/Gardens. Cost is $150, materials included. Traditional and contemporary techniques using horsehair and other combustible materials to fire pieces of bisqueware (provided). No pottery experience necessary. To register, email education@ nationalgallery.org.ky or call 945-8111. SUNDAY, APRIL 17 BRAC 5K CHALLENGE: The Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge takes place on Cayman Brac. The event aims to raise $50,000 to help Cayman Heart Fund in its drive to buy a new ambulance. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Registration takes place April 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the District Administration Building. Visit www.odg.gov.ky/DG5K for the registration form and further details. TUESDAY, APRIL 19 SEAFARERS ASSOCIATION: The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association advises all members that there will be a General Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Seafarers Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 FLOETRY: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Books & Books. All are invited to join Cayman’s poets and performers as they share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings. Free admission. THURSDAY, APRIL 21 BRAC COURT: Summary Court is held in the Aston Rutty Civic Centre from 10 a.m. today and tomorrow. PUB QUIZ: Humane Society’s fundraiser at Fidel Murphy’s. 7 p.m. $10 per person, maximum of six people per team. Call 949-5189 to reserve a table or contact sarah.dyer.81@gmail.com. CHAMBER COURSE: Immigration, Work Permits (BVPs, TWPs and RERCs), by Nick Joseph. 9-11 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members $175, future members $225. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. SUNDAY, APRIL 24 REVIVAL SERVICES: Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) holds Revival Services April 24-29. Sunday, 6 p.m. Weeknights 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Rev. Leon George of St. Croix, USVI. All are welcome. 5K CHALLENGE: The Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge takes place in Grand Cayman. The event aims to raise $50,000 to help Cayman Heart Fund in its drive to buy a new ambulance. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Registration takes place on April 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and April 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Government Administration Building. Visit www.odg.gov.ky/DG5K for the registration form and further details. TUESDAY, APRIL 26 CHAMBER COURSE: Time Management & Productivity, by Catherine Tyson. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members $150, future members $225. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. THURSDAY, APRIL 28 FREE SME WORKSHOP: Unlock your Retail Potential – Tips & Tricks for Success, by Savage Consulting. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. CHAMBER COURSE: Intellectual Property Basics – Copyright, Trademarks & Patents, by Sophie Davies. 9-11 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members $175, future members $225. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. FRIDAY, APRIL 29 CONSUMER PROTECTION: Today is the deadline for comments on the discussion paper, “Consumer Protection – Entrenching Consumer Supremacy in Cayman Islands Legislation.” The paper can be viewed on www.lrc.gov. ky. Submissions should be emailed to cilrc@gov.ky or sent by post or hand to the Director of the Law Reform Commission, 4th Floor, Government Administration Building, Portfolio of Legal Affairs, 133 Elgin Ave., George Town, Grand Cayman, P.O. Box 136, Grand Cayman, KY1-9000. PRESCHOOL FUNDING: Today is the last day to apply to the Ministry of Education for the Early Childhood Assistance Program, which provides early childhood center funding for Caymanian children between 3 years old and Reception age as of Sept. 1 and who meet financial criteria. Application forms can be collected from the Government Administration Building, Department of Education Services or early childhood centers, or download from education.gov.ky/portal/ page/portal/mehhome/ education/earlyeducation. SATURDAY, APRIL 30 LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS: The Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs reminds everyone that applications for the local scholarship program must be received electronically by midnight, April 30. Those wishing to apply should visit the website at www.education. gov.ky/scholarships. The Secretariat can be contacted at scholarships@ gov.ky or phone 244-2482. GENERAL INTEREST JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT: is recruiting volunteers for several programs. Contact JA Cayman at jacaymanislands@gmail.com or 949-4306. NARRATIVE ART: Classes with a qualified art instructor at Watler House Studio, Pedro St. James, 7–9 p.m. Tuesdays through April. Artists of all levels will explore the theory of narrative art discovering ways to tell stories. Drop-in fee is $25 or $35 for non-members. Contact visualartcayman@yahoo.com or 546-9422. CERAMIC OPEN STUDIO: Visual Arts Society offers Ceramic Open Studio to adults who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere: Wednesdays through April 27, 9 a.m. to noon at the Watler House Studio, Pedro St. James. Drop-in fee is $15 members, $25 non-members. Clay, materials, glazes and firing facilities available. For more information, visualartcayman@yahoo.com. VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS: Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Ltd. and the National Gallery will award a four-year scholarship for a student who wishes to pursue an undergraduate degree in the Visual Arts field. Scholarship is worth US$20,000 per year. Application forms, information sheets and additional opportunities for students can also be found on the NGCI website www.nationalgallery. org.ky. Applications can be submitted directly to the NGCI Education Department at education@ nationalgallery.org.ky. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Dr. Judy Helm of Best Practices Inc. will speak at an Early Childhood Conference at Mary Miller Hall on Saturday, April 9.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2016 FIND YOUR BEST DEALS DREAM CAR AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE OVER 10,000 CARS IN STOCK Tel : +81 42 440 3440 | Email : top@beforward.jp www.beforward.jp Shipped to George Town Cayman Islands DREAM CAR AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE DREAM CAR AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE data leak documenting how people hid money offshore. Criminals looking to hide their money, the premier said, “will not readily find a home here.” British media lapped up the suggestion that direct rule could be used “to put an end to tax havens” among the 14 British territories. The last time the U.K. took direct control of one of its territories was in the Turks and Caicos in 2009 after al- legations of widespread gov- ernment corruption. However, former Con- servative attorney general Dominic Grieve told The In- dependent newspaper that imposing direct rule would be “a bit of a nuclear option” and that the autonomy of Britain’s overseas territories should be respected. “If we’re going to destroy the economy of the British Virgin Islands because we prevent them from providing banking services at all then we’re going to destroy the livelihood of its inhabitants,” Mr. Grieve said later on BBC Radio 4’s Today program. “We need to consider care- fully the consequences of [doing that]. If we were to follow the suggestion that we should effectively remove the autonomy of overseas terri- tories to run their lawful fi- nancial services I don’t think we are acting properly to- wards them. They are enti- tled to make their own deci- sions in this.” Also speaking on BBC radio, Anthony Travers, the chairman of the Cayman Is- lands Stock Exchange, said Mr. Corbyn’s call to impose direct rule in crown territo- ries was “hopelessly misin- formed,” pointing out that Cayman legislation “provides for complete tax transpar- ency for HMRC [Her Majes- ty’s Revenue and Customs] and the IRS [Inland Revenue Service] and for other EU tax authorities and indeed for law enforcement.” “So there is no secrecy with regard to transac- tions in the Cayman Islands whatsoever,” in contrast to Panama and certain U.S. states, Mr. Travers said. “Tax haven used in the pejorative sense of the non- disclosure of informa- tion is a redundant expres- sion when it comes to the Cayman Islands.” Mr. Travers then ad- dressed the direct rule ques- tion again on CNBC saying: “You would require a real in- ternational crisis and real fundamentals before you could revoke the constitu- tional position. I think there would be real difficulty with that because it would be tan- tamount to 19th century co- lonialism all over again.” Mr. Corbyn told the BBC that Prime Minister David Cameron had been “pussy- footing” on tax matters. Asked what action the U.K. government should take, Mr. Corbyn said: “Say to the governments, those that ad- minister, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and a number of other places, hang on, you are a government of a British dependent territory, a crown territory, you must obey U.K. tax law, you must not become a harbor for tax avoidance and tax evasion.” “Either those govern- ments comply or a next step has to be taken,” he added. Beneficial ownership Anti-corruption cam- paigners Global Witness said the U.K. has the power to re- quire its overseas territories to create public registers of the real owners of companies. “The U.K. has inter- vened before when the issue was important enough – it should do so again now,” said Robert Palmer, campaigner at Global Witness. The organization cited di- rect rule in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the abol- ishment of the death penalty and the decriminalization of homosexuality in its overseas through an order in council in 1991 and 2000 as prece- dents for such a step. At the Joint Ministerial Council Meeting between U.K. and Overseas Territo- ries government represen- tatives in December 2015, Cayman and other U.K. ter- ritories agreed they would implement centralized bene- ficial ownership registers or “similarly effective systems,” but that access to these systems would not have to be public. At the same time, Min- ister of Financial Services Wayne Panton announced that instead of a central reg- ister, government is exploring a centralized platform that would enable government of- ficials to access and interro- gate the beneficial ownership databases of all financial ser- vice providers in Cayman. Meanwhile, discussions with the U.K. on whether this would constitute a “similarly effective system” are ongoing. The Cayman Islands Min- istry of Financial Services is- sued a statement Tuesday, stating that during the ne- gotiations with U.K. offi- cials about an agreement on the beneficial owner- ship issue, “the U.K. reiter- ated its previous statements that it could impose its pre- ferred approach [of a cen- tralized register] through legal means.” However, the ministry said, “based upon the ad- vanced nature of the dis- cussions to date, we be- lieve it is possible to agree on an Exchange of Notes that is in line with current global standards.” The U.K. is planning to have similar agreements with all overseas territories in place before the prime minister’s Anti-Corruption Summit in May. future, he said, imagine taking a trip to Cayman and chat- ting about it online with a friend. A bot could chime in with ideas and suggestions about what to do and where to go in Cayman, and the bot could learn and get better with making suggestions for the vacation. Marketers from some of the world’s top tech com- panies, including Google, Hootsuite and Evite, joined representatives from local companies including Cay- Film, BRAC Informatics and Cayman Islands Yellow Pages, for the two-day conference focused on online marketing. The Internet Marketing Association and Cayman En- terprise City teamed up to bring the annual conference to Grand Cayman starting last year. IMA chair Sinan Kanatsiz said the Cayman confer- ence “will be a multi-year event” and the organization has opened an office at En- terprise City for its interna- tional revenue. Premier Alden McLaughlin opened the conference with some marketing of his own. “We have everything you could think of,” he said: beaches, beautiful weather, modern infrastructure and a friendly business environ- ment. “We are, after all, a world-class financial center.” Making a pitch to the foreign companies in the room, he said, “the govern- ment is doing its part” by im- proving roads and expanding the airport. Beyond infrastructure, Mr. McLaughlin pointed to legis- lative changes like the mod- ernized copyright laws that will help protect companies’ intellectual property. member of the House objects to that, the Speaker should adjourn the assembly after a certain period of time if a quorum is not achieved. Mr. McLaughlin has sug- gested that if all eight oppo- sition party and independent opposition members show up for the April 13 emer- gency meeting, it would re- quire just one member of the government side to at- tend and object to the meet- ing’s occurrence without the required 10-person quorum. “The opposition motions will be dealt with when the House convenes for the meeting beginning April 25,” he said. The resolution section of the motion seeking a “lack of confidence” vote in the police management states, in part: “The Legislative Assembly does declare a lack of confi- dence in the RCIPS and the governance of the RCIPS and ask[s] the governor to ap- point an independent team to review the police method- ology of administration and to identify a Caymanian to lead the RCIPS.” A separate private mem- bers’ motion filed by Oppo- sition Leader Bush seeking an independent review of the police response to a re- cent report of five missing boaters near 12 Mile Bank was also proposed to be de- bated during the emergency meeting. Governor Helen Kil- patrick has already agreed to commission such an inquiry. Both opposition Cayman Islands Democratic Party members and independents said this week that, as far as they were concerned, the April 13 meeting was still going ahead. The Legislative Assembly clerk’s office also confirmed that the meeting was still scheduled. “I think he’s going down a very, very dangerous road,” Mr. Bush said of the pre- mier. “When eight mem- bers or seven member call [a meeting], the Speaker of the House must set a time and when the Speaker sets a time the House members are duty bound to attend. If they’re not, they’re in derelic- tion of their duty and they’re … abrogating the rules of the Legislative Assembly. “It’s going to affect this country negatively, what he’s doing. That’s the worst kind of politics that he’s playing.” Also, Mr. Bush points out that current Legislative As- sembly standing orders only require eight members to hold a House meeting. “We’ve been operating at most times with eight members and then other people come in after the start,” he said. Bodden Town MLA Alva Suckoo, who also supported the “lack of confidence” mo- tion in the police manage- ment and administration, said he would be disap- pointed if the government members simply did not show up next week. “There are times when I haven’t wanted to show up [at legislative meetings], but I did because that’s what we were elected for,” Mr. Suckoo said. Direct rule: UK gov’t urged to consider ‘nuclear option’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Impact16 brings tech giants to Cayman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Premier: Gov’t will not agree to emergency meeting CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Government is not going to agree to the meeting. We will not provide the necessary quorum. The opposition is simply trying to be disruptive.” PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLINNext >